PHOTOEDUCATION TO PREVENT SKIN CANCER IN COMMUNITY HEALTH AGENCIES IN A MUNICIPALITY IN THE METROPOLITAN REGION OF RECIFE: an intervention study (Atena Editora)

Abstract

Skin cancer is the most common neoplasm in the world, with several subtypes and different forms of progression and prognosis. The main ones are squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma, generally associated with a better prognosis and with high incidences worldwide. Melanoma is a subtype with a high potential for metastasis and is associated with high mortality every year. It is estimated that in 2040 there will be around 500 new cases of melanoma in the world. The main risk factor for the development of skin cancer is solar exposure to ultraviolet rays, especially type B. In this intervention study with Community Health Agents from three Basic Health Units in Jaboatão dos Guararapes-PE, a series of health education actions with professionals. To this end, multimodal research strategies, health education tactics, evaluation by dermatologists, and questionnaires were used. To evaluate the results, Descriptive Statistics and Content Analysis were used, as well as clinical-dermatological evaluation of the CHAs after the actions developed. The results showed that most CHAs already have prior knowledge about prevention; Most CHAs noticed the appearance of new skin spots after starting their profession. Furthermore, potentially dangerous lesions were identified in some of the patients during dermoscopic examination. CHWs are subject to a way of working that greatly increases the relative risk of developing skin neoplasms, but there are low-cost and easy-to-implement interventions that reduce risks.